How to Get Your Drone Licence in Australia
The complete guide to CASA drone licensing — requirements, costs, training options, and career paths. Updated for 2026.
Flying drones commercially in Australia requires a licence from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Whether you want to start a drone business, add aerial capabilities to your existing work, or pursue a career as a commercial drone pilot, this guide covers everything you need to know — from understanding the different licence types to choosing the right training pathway.
Do You Need a Drone Licence?
Not everyone needs a licence to fly a drone in Australia. CASA distinguishes between recreational and commercial operations:
No Licence Required
- Flying recreationally (not for reward)
- Drone weighs under 2kg
- Following CASA's standard operating conditions
- Flying in visual line of sight (VLOS)
- Not in controlled airspace
- Below 120 metres (400 feet) AGL
Licence Required
- Any commercial drone operation (for reward)
- Flying drones over 2kg
- Operating outside standard conditions
- Flying in controlled airspace
- Night operations
- Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
If any of the "Licence Required" conditions apply to you, you need either a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) or an Excluded Category qualification.
Types of Drone Licences in Australia
Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
The RePL is the standard commercial drone licence in Australia. It authorises you to fly remotely piloted aircraft for commercial purposes and is the licence most drone professionals hold. The RePL covers specific aircraft categories (typically sub 7kg and sub 25kg multi-rotor) and requires training through a CASA-accredited provider.
Excluded Category (Sub 2kg)
The Excluded Category allows commercial operations with drones under 2kg without a full RePL. It is a shorter, lower-cost pathway but comes with significant restrictions — you can only fly sub-2kg aircraft and must operate within tighter conditions. This pathway suits operators with specific, limited commercial needs.
Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Piloting)
The AVI30419 Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) is a nationally recognised VET qualification that includes the RePL plus advanced operations training. It is the most comprehensive pathway and is ideal for those pursuing a career in the drone industry or seeking employment with operators who require formal qualifications.
What Does Drone Licence Training Cover?
All RePL training follows CASA's approved syllabus. You will study both theory and practical flying skills:
Air Law & Regulations
CASA rules, airspace classifications, operating conditions, and legal obligations for commercial pilots.
Basic Aviation Knowledge
Principles of flight, aircraft systems, performance limitations, and emergency procedures.
Meteorology
Weather patterns, forecasts, wind effects, and conditions that affect safe drone operations.
Navigation & Airspace
Reading aeronautical charts, understanding controlled and uncontrolled airspace, and flight planning.
Human Factors
Decision making, fatigue management, situational awareness, and crew resource management.
Practical Flight Skills
Pre-flight checks, manual flight, emergency procedures, and mission planning assessed in-person.
How Much Does a Drone Licence Cost?
Drone licence costs in Australia vary by training provider and course format. Here is how National Drones' courses compare:
| Course | Price | Duration | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online RePL | $1,650 inc GST | Self-paced + 2-day practical | Online theory + in-person practical | Working professionals who need flexibility |
| RePL Licence (In-Person) | $2,400 + GST | 5 days | Fully in-person | Those who prefer hands-on classroom learning |
| Certificate III in Aviation | Contact us | 10 days | Fully in-person | Career drone pilots seeking a nationally recognised qualification |
| Sub 2kg Course | Contact us | 2 days | In-person | Operators flying small drones for specific commercial tasks |
Brisbane Special: Online RePL for $999 inc GST
Until June 2026, the Online RePL with a Brisbane practical assessment is available for $999 inc GST — saving you $651 on the standard price. Self-paced theory plus a 2-day hands-on practical.
Timeline: From Enrolment to Licence
Choose Your Course
Select the training pathway that suits your goals and schedule. The Online RePL offers the most flexibility; the in-person RePL is the fastest path.
Day 1
Complete Theory Training
Study aviation knowledge, air law, meteorology, navigation, and human factors. Online students work at their own pace (typically 2-4 weeks). In-person students cover theory in the first 3 days of the course.
1-4 weeks (online) or 3 days (in-person)
Practical Assessment
Attend in-person practical training covering pre-flight checks, manual flight operations, emergency procedures, and mission planning. This is a hands-on assessment with an instructor.
2 days (online pathway) or days 4-5 (in-person)
CASA Application
Once you pass, your training provider submits your RePL application to CASA on your behalf. National Drones handles all the paperwork.
Submitted immediately after assessment
Receive Your RePL
CASA processes your application and issues your Remote Pilot Licence. You can then begin commercial drone operations.
5-10 business days
Which Course Is Right for You?
"I want to fly drones commercially with maximum flexibility"
Choose the Online RePL or In-Person RePL. The full RePL covers drones up to 25kg and gives you the broadest range of commercial operations. The online pathway is more flexible; the in-person course is faster.
"I want a formal career qualification"
Choose the Certificate III in Aviation. This nationally recognised VET qualification includes the RePL plus advanced operations, and is preferred by employers in industries like mining, utilities, and government.
"I only need to fly a small drone for a specific purpose"
Choose the Sub 2kg Excluded Category Course. This is the quickest and most affordable pathway, but limits you to drones under 2kg with tighter operating conditions.
"I am not sure yet — I just want to learn about drones"
Start with our free RePL theory content or the Drone Awareness Course. Both are free and require no prior experience.
Career Paths with a Drone Licence
The Australian drone industry is growing rapidly. A RePL opens doors to careers and business opportunities across multiple sectors:
Surveying & Mapping
Topographic surveys, orthomosaic mapping, 3D modelling, and volumetric analysis for construction, mining, and agriculture.
Learn more →Infrastructure Inspections
Inspecting roofs, bridges, powerlines, solar farms, and towers — safer and faster than traditional methods.
Learn more →Agriculture & Spraying
Precision crop spraying, NDVI analysis, livestock monitoring, and farm management from the air.
Learn more →Film & Photography
Aerial photography and videography for real estate, events, tourism, and commercial production.
Emergency Services
Search and rescue, bushfire monitoring, flood assessment, and disaster response operations.
Mining & Resources
Site surveys, stockpile measurement, environmental monitoring, and safety inspections at mine sites.
Learn more →Why Train with National Drones?
CASA-Accredited Provider
Fully accredited by CASA with RTO status for nationally recognised qualifications including the Certificate III in Aviation.
Real-World Experience
Our instructors are working commercial drone pilots who fly surveys, inspections, and spraying operations every week — not just classroom teachers.
Flexible Training Options
Choose between self-paced online theory or fully in-person courses. Practical dates available monthly in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and other capital cities.
Free Theory Content
Access our complete RePL theory course online for free before you enrol — no sign-up required. Study aviation knowledge, meteorology, and air law at your own pace.
Upcoming Course Dates
Start your theory online anytime. Book a practical assessment date that suits your schedule.
Brisbane38 Devlan St, Mansfield
14–15 April 2026
$999 inc GSTLimited time offer — save $651
Brisbane38 Devlan St, Mansfield
12–13 May 2026
$999 inc GSTLimited time offer — save $651
MelbourneMelbourne metropolitan area — exact venue confirmed on enrolment
26–27 May 2026
Brisbane38 Devlan St, Mansfield
9–10 June 2026
$999 inc GSTLimited time offer — save $651
MelbourneMelbourne metropolitan area — exact venue confirmed on enrolment
23–24 June 2026
Brisbane38 Devlan St, Mansfield
14–15 July 2026
MelbourneMelbourne metropolitan area — exact venue confirmed on enrolment
28–29 July 2026
Brisbane38 Devlan St, Mansfield
11–12 August 2026
MelbourneMelbourne metropolitan area — exact venue confirmed on enrolment
25–26 August 2026
Brisbane38 Devlan St, Mansfield
8–9 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a drone licence to fly in Australia?
- It depends on how you fly. Recreational pilots flying standard consumer drones under 2kg do not need a licence if they follow CASA's standard operating conditions. However, if you want to fly commercially (for any form of reward), fly drones over 2kg, or operate outside standard conditions, you need either a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) or an Excluded Category qualification from CASA.
- How much does a drone licence cost in Australia?
- A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) typically costs between $1,350 and $2,900 depending on the training provider and format. National Drones offers the Online RePL from $1,650 inc GST (currently $999 for Brisbane practicals until June 2026) and the in-person RePL at $2,400 + GST. The Sub 2kg Excluded Category course is a lower-cost alternative for operators flying small drones.
- How long does it take to get a RePL?
- The in-person RePL course takes 5 days. The Online RePL lets you study theory at your own pace (most students complete it in 2-4 weeks) followed by a 2-day practical assessment. After passing, National Drones submits your application to CASA, and you typically receive your RePL within 5-10 business days.
- What is a RePL (Remote Pilot Licence)?
- A RePL is the licence issued by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) that authorises you to fly remotely piloted aircraft (drones) for commercial purposes in Australia. It covers operational theory including air law, meteorology, navigation, human factors, and practical flight skills. The licence is valid for the aircraft categories specified on your certificate.
- What is the difference between a RePL and a Sub 2kg licence?
- A RePL covers drones up to 25kg and allows a wide range of commercial operations. The Sub 2kg Excluded Category certification covers only drones under 2kg and has more restrictions on operating conditions. The Sub 2kg course is shorter (2 days) and cheaper, but limits you to smaller aircraft. Most commercial operators choose the full RePL for maximum flexibility.
- Do I need an AROC (Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate)?
- Yes, if you plan to operate in controlled airspace where you need to communicate with Air Traffic Control. The AROC is included in National Drones' RePL and Certificate III courses at no extra cost. Without an AROC, you can only fly in uncontrolled airspace, which significantly limits where you can operate commercially.
- Can I get my drone licence online?
- You can complete the theory component online, but all drone licence pathways require an in-person practical assessment — CASA mandates hands-on flight evaluation. National Drones' Online RePL lets you study theory from anywhere in Australia at your own pace, then attend a 2-day practical session in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, or other capital cities.
- What can I do with a drone licence?
- A RePL opens up commercial drone operations including aerial photography and videography, real estate marketing, surveying and mapping, infrastructure inspections, agricultural spraying, construction monitoring, mining site surveys, and emergency services support. Many organisations now require drone-qualified personnel, creating strong career opportunities across multiple industries.
- Is a drone licence valid across all of Australia?
- Yes. A CASA-issued RePL is valid nationwide. You can operate commercially anywhere in Australia, subject to local airspace rules and any area-specific approvals. Your training provider must be CASA-accredited (like National Drones) for the licence to be recognised.
- What is the difference between a RePL and a Certificate III in Aviation?
- The RePL is a CASA licence that permits commercial drone operations. The Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Piloting) is a nationally recognised VET qualification (AVI30419) that includes the RePL plus additional advanced operations training. The Cert III is 10 days and provides a formal qualification recognised across industries, making it ideal for career drone pilots or those seeking employment in the sector.
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